Ron Griswell is one hard working intern, and we are proud to have him on the team! The internship experience at WI combines many elements of our organization and operations. We asked him a few questions to highlight what his experience has been like here at WI.
WI: What first attracted you to Wilderness Inquiry?
RG: I was first interested in the outdoors as a young boy growing up in the country. I had no choice but to fall in love with nature. Rounding out my senior year of college I wanted to get back to what I enjoyed the most, the wilderness. That’s when I stumbled across WI. Simply, my love for the outdoors attracted me to the organization.
WI: An internship with WI involves so many different and new experiences. What have you found to be the most challenging and the most rewarding?
RG: The most challenging and the most rewarding for me are one in the same. I am from North Carolina, so Minnesota’s weather is drastically different. WI sent me to the Boundary Waters (BWCA) to help with a winter trip. I have never had such a blast in negative-degree weather. Although physically and mentally challenging, the trip opened my mind to new possibilities. I also had the chance to see WI’s mission at work as the group came together through the adventure. I will never forget the trials and triumphs of that trip.
WI: Did that trip to the BWCA seem to impact anyone in a lasting way?
RG: There was one moment that had a big impact on myself and others. That moment was when a group member with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) showshoed from the shore to Mouse Island. That was a huge accomplishment for him, considering the day before he didn’t feel comfortable putting the snowshoes on at all. He was filled with joy when he conquered the lake and reached his goal. That moment filled me with joy as well.
WI: If you could give one piece of advice to people considering an internship with Wilderness Inquiry, what would it be?
RG: I would tell them to open their minds to all the possibilities they can take advantage of in this organization. The staff, volunteers, and participants you interact with everyday all have a story. Listen to their expertise and learn from their mistakes. Take heed to their advice, because they have been in your shoes before.
Ron, thanks for sharing the adventure!
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